I know exactly where you're coming from, since I have encountered similar responses. I have a few years on you, and I've only been in the industry solid for 3 years, but I've gotten remarks about my age that are entirely inappropriate.
There are a few things to keep in mind that have helped me. I got this advice from someone a few years ago, and it's valid in my esperience.
First, you're not God's gift to the technology industry...pretty much none of us are, no matter how good we are at what we do. Humility is hard to come by in young people that have computer talents. The biggest roadblock is that some cocky punks have already gone on before us and muddied the water a bit. Try to be low-key and humble about what you do. Also try to exude the attitude "I want to learn from you" to everyone you work with...yes, even people that make less money or seem less smart than you.
Secondly, like a few other people have mentioned, no matter how much experience you have, you have little in the way of corporate culture, politics, and the host of other issues that ALSO make up an employer/employee relationship. A lot of it might seem too "Dilbert" to pay attention, but this is the way it is, so learn to roll with the horse.
Third, keep in mind that people make decisions about you based on things they see outwardly. Dress as well as you can afford. It makes a big difference in the perception you convey to others.
Lastly, be objective about your abilities. If you're asked about your abilities, admit that your weakness is in experience, but you always give everything your best effort and learn rapidly.
Even after all of this, there are still jerks everywhere that are unwilling to accept young employees, but you will gain the respect of the ones that matter, and your career will benefit. The discrimination is frustrating, but it's there for a reason. Try to dispel people's initial reaction by proving to be an enjoyable person to work with.
Try RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology). I'm in a similar position as you (young, pretty well paid, no degree). RIT has a few very good degree programs online (none in CS specifically), including one with an Applied Computing concentration, which is what I am about 1 year away from completing. The school is reputable, the education is extremely good, and you might be able to CLEP through a lot of it. They also have Graduate degrees of sorts.
http://online.rit.edu
At least it keeps you from being held hostage by a school for 4 years. You can work at the same time.
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I know exactly where you're coming from, since I have encountered similar responses. I have a few years on you, and I've only been in the industry solid for 3 years, but I've gotten remarks about my age that are entirely inappropriate.
There are a few things to keep in mind that have helped me. I got this advice from someone a few years ago, and it's valid in my esperience.
First, you're not God's gift to the technology industry...pretty much none of us are, no matter how good we are at what we do. Humility is hard to come by in young people that have computer talents. The biggest roadblock is that some cocky punks have already gone on before us and muddied the water a bit. Try to be low-key and humble about what you do. Also try to exude the attitude "I want to learn from you" to everyone you work with...yes, even people that make less money or seem less smart than you.
Secondly, like a few other people have mentioned, no matter how much experience you have, you have little in the way of corporate culture, politics, and the host of other issues that ALSO make up an employer/employee relationship. A lot of it might seem too "Dilbert" to pay attention, but this is the way it is, so learn to roll with the horse.
Third, keep in mind that people make decisions about you based on things they see outwardly. Dress as well as you can afford. It makes a big difference in the perception you convey to others.
Lastly, be objective about your abilities. If you're asked about your abilities, admit that your weakness is in experience, but you always give everything your best effort and learn rapidly.
Even after all of this, there are still jerks everywhere that are unwilling to accept young employees, but you will gain the respect of the ones that matter, and your career will benefit. The discrimination is frustrating, but it's there for a reason. Try to dispel people's initial reaction by proving to be an enjoyable person to work with.
Try RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology). I'm in a similar position as you (young, pretty well paid, no degree). RIT has a few very good degree programs online (none in CS specifically), including one with an Applied Computing concentration, which is what I am about 1 year away from completing. The school is reputable, the education is extremely good, and you might be able to CLEP through a lot of it. They also have Graduate degrees of sorts.
http://online.rit.edu
At least it keeps you from being held hostage by a school for 4 years. You can work at the same time.